Which month is suitable for sowing mint?

Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is known for its vigorous vitality. It often grows naturally on river banks and in moist and fertile soil. There are many varieties of mint, some of which have leaves that are suitable for eating, while others are suitable for making tea. The leaves of these plants have a fresh, cool fragrance and are suitable for growing on a terrace, balcony or in the courtyard. Let’s learn together which month is suitable for sowing mint?

Which month is suitable for sowing mint?

The time for growing mint varies according to climate differences in different places. In Guangdong, Hainan and other regions, it can be planted all year round; in Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas, it is suitable to plant during the "Qingming" season, that is, when the temperature rises in spring, there is sufficient rainfall and high humidity, which is conducive to the survival of mint. In the southwest, it is best to plant after the rainy season begins. In North China and Northeast China, open-air and protected cultivation can be combined, and one planting can yield continuous harvests for 2 to 3 years.

Mint Planting Tips

1. Seed selection

Selecting varieties with strong disease resistance, high brain content and pure aroma is the key to obtaining high quality and high yield.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

Choose high-lying, well-drained, deep, loose and fertile land (sandy loam is preferred), and cultivate it carefully. Apply sufficient base fertilizer, 3000 to 5000 kg of soil and miscellaneous fertilizer and 50 kg of compound fertilizer containing 15% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium each per mu.

3. Reproduction method

Use cutting propagation, use the stems of the first crop of mint, cut them into 30 cm long sections, and plant them in rows with a spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm.

4. Seedling cultivation and propagation technology

Seedling raising time: Generally after the first crop of mint enters the bud stage, which is around June in the south and around July in the north.

Rhizome propagation: After harvesting the first crop of mint, dig out the underground rhizomes and plant them in rows with a spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm.

5. Field management

Watering: Maintain soil moisture and water regularly to promote rooting and germination of mint.

Weeding: Use herbicides before mint sprouts. If there are weeds that have not been completely removed, they can be pulled out manually.

Spraying yield increaser: Use mint yield increaser, spray once every 10 days, for 3 consecutive times.

Top dressing: Apply urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate when the mint seedlings are 10 cm tall.

6. Pest and disease control

The main diseases of mint include leaf spot and rust, which should be prevented and controlled in the early stages of the disease.

7. Harvest

In late October, mint can be harvested. First, cut off the above-ground part, and then dig out the underground seed stems for propagation. Each acre of seed stems can be expanded to 10 acres.

Things to note when growing mint on the balcony

1. Lighting

Mint needs plenty of sunlight, but there is no need to worry about strong sunlight even in summer. Lack of light will cause mint to grow too tall and have weak leaves.

2. Moisture

Mint needs plenty of water and grows better in soil than in hydroponics. If the soil is dry, it will recover quickly after watering as long as the roots are still active.

3. Soil

Use fertile soil that is breathable and water-permeable, such as garden soil or leaf mold, and you can add chicken manure fertilizer.

4. Repotting

In spring and autumn, changing to a larger pot and using more fertile soil will help the mint grow quickly.

5. Indoor maintenance

Placing mint in a sunny and ventilated place indoors will be beneficial to photosynthesis and reduce excessive growth and yellowing of leaves. Loosening the soil properly every 1 to 2 months is beneficial to root growth.

The above is an introduction to the planting time and planting techniques of mint. Nowadays, many people use the conditions of the balcony or yard to grow potted mint. Everyone is welcome to continue sharing professional techniques.